The Portland Trail Blazers were widely expected to be buyers at February's trade deadline, looking to upgrade their roster before making their final playoff push. While they remained relatively quiet, it wasn't for GM Joe Cronin's lack of trying, especially when it came to Giannis Antetokounmpo in particular.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported on The Stein Line that Portland was willing to sacrifice up to four first-round picks to acquire the Greek Freak.
"I'm told that Portland, back at the February trade deadline, was prepared to sacrifice up to four years of first-round draft capital in an Antetokounmpo trade … even without knowing for sure that Antetokounmpo would commit to an extension. It is strongly believed that the Blazers are no longer willing to go to such lengths — since it has been conveyed to them that getting such an extension signed is considered unlikely — and that perceived retreat has only fueled the notion that Miami and Boston have little current company at the forefront of these sweepstakes."
Giannis Antetokounmpo is only a pipe dream for Portland
Portland has still expressed interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo this offseason, but they shouldn't be considered anything more than a dark horse in the sweepstakes. With Giannis having just one season remaining before a player option in 2027-28, he has significant leverage in determining his landing spot.
Despite the teammate connections to Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, as well as the formidable roster the Blazers would be able to assemble with him in the picture, getting Antetokounmpo to commit long-term to Portland is still a pipe dream.
If they were to get assurance, it would change the equation entirely, as the Blazers would arguably be able to outbid any potential suitor. Unfortunately, that's not the reality of the situation, as they are stuck in a smaller market in the stacked Western Conference.
Portland should still pursue Giannis, but not quite to that extreme. They'll have to at least try to find a balance between what Milwaukee could deem a competitive offer without sacrificing their entire future for what, in all likelihood, would be a one-year rental. Still, I don't see a reasonable middle ground where Portland can package an offer to outbid suitors while still being considered a calculated risk for them.
It's quite the bombshell that they were pursuing Giannis that aggressively in February, but now their role looks increasingly likely to be that of a facilitator should they get involved in the sweepstakes this summer.
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